GPS World

Tag: NMEA compatible

  • Geometer International debuts lightweight, compact RTK device

    Geometer International debuts lightweight, compact RTK device

    Photo: Geometer International
    Photo: Geometer International

    Geometer International, a Ukrainian developer of GNSS/RTK instruments and applications for satellite positioning, has introduced the Walker RTK, a dual-frequency L1, L2 RTK receiver in the compact form factor of a portable RTK device.

    The Walker RTK is a lightweight, small-sized, affordable and full-featured device for collecting, storing and processing geo-referenced data on the survey site. According to the developer, a GNSS receiver in a convenient and affordable format will significantly expand the use of RTK technology. The new technology will be suited to most tasks requiring centimeter precision positioning and measurements in a 3D coordinate system.

    Compact and lightweight, Walker RTK is the ideal solution for field workers working away from the office. The new device can be operated with just one hand, significantly improving the productivity of service personnel.

    Possible applications for GNSS Walker RTK include surveying, utilities, solar power plant engineering, trenching and pipeline installation, drilling, forestry and municipal infrastructure control.

    What’s under the bonnet of Walker RTK?

    The Walker RTK is built around a 2-frequency L1/L2 184 channel board and a sensitive Helix antenna, satisfying up to 90% of basic user requirements. The tube-shaped housing geometry allows it to fit with any universal mount. The receiver weight is only 0.25g (0.470 with smartphone holder) due to the aluminum alloy housing with a protective coating. The Walker RTK has a built-in Li-Ion battery with enough power for 24 hours of continuous operation without additional recharging. The new energy-efficient architecture of the unit achieves this.

    The GNSS receiver has the minimum amount of leading interfaces, resulting in high IP67 dust and waterproof rating. The device can be paired with a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, while connection via Bluetooth low energy is also planned for a future release.

    Compatible with satellite systems

    Walker RTK can track and determine geo-position using signals from all known existing satellite systems. This feature makes it possible to achieve the centimeter-level accuracy of an RTK solution within seconds.

    GNSS signals processed by the Walker RTK GNSS receiver:

    • GPS (L1C/A, L2C)
    • GLONASS (L1OF, L2OF)
    • GALILEO (E1B/C, E5b)
    • BEIDOU (B1I, B2I)
    • QZSS (L1C/A, L1S, L2C)
    • SBAS (L1C/A)

    Thanks to NMEA messaging, the Walker RTK GNSS receiver is fully compatible with any professional or freeware geolocation software, providing high accuracy and reliable RTK-corrected positioning.

  • Xsens launches MTi 600 series of inertial sensors at AUVSI show

    Xsens launches MTi 600 series of inertial sensors at AUVSI show

    Photo: Allison Barwacz
    Photo: Allison Barwacz

    New MTi 600-series with flexible interfacing options is backed by software development suite for easy integration into space-restricted host systems such as drones, Xsens said.

    The MTi 600-series is a generation of inertial motion sensors which set a new standard in the market for their small size, industrial-grade performance and competitive pricing, Xsens added.

    The new MTi 600-series of inertial sensors, supplied in a 31.5mm x 28.0mm x 13.0mm IP51-rated case, produce roll and pitch readings accurate to ±0.2 degrees. GNSS-assisted heading (yaw) measurements are accurate to ±1.0°. Among the products’ new features are a CAN bus interface and NMEA compatibility.

    To achieve this performance, Xsens has applied numerous innovations in its latest sensor fusion algorithms, which optimize the output from new accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer components.

    Photo: xsens
    Photo: Xsens

    The MTi 600-series modules are the first from Xsens to include an NMEA-compatible interface for GNSS receivers. This means that users can choose any GNSS receiver chip, module or system to work alongside the MTi-670, a GNSS/INS device that supplements the pitch, roll and yaw outputs available from other MTi 600-series products with global positioning information.

    Xsens is demonstrating the high performance of the new modules at its stand 2627 at AUVSI Xponential, taking place in Chicago this week.

    The MTi 600-series modules are available for sampling on request to Xsens. Volume production is expected to begin in July.